The Houston Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the George Bush Park area near the 16700 block of Westheimer Parkway about 3:15 p.m. yesterday, September 22, 2011.  Upon arrival firefighters were unable to locate the origin of the fire. With the assistance of the Houston Police Department’s Helicopter unit, the small fire was located and controlled by the crew of an HFD booster unit. Firefighters tapped the fire out by 6:30 p.m. with no reported injuries.

This fire was one of more than 330 reported grass/woodland fires that HFD has responded to since September 1, 2011.  During the same time period last year, HFD responded to about 30 such incidents.

HFD recommends the following safety tips during this drought:

• Discard cigarettes or other smoking materials that can smolder for hours by completely dousing with water and discarding in a safe manner.  
• There is a temporary ban on smoking in City parks. Violators can be fined.
• Check barbecue pits and grills frequently, keep water or fire extinguisher on hand
• Dispose of hot coals and ash in a non-combustible container until cooled or thoroughly saturated with water.
• There is a temporary ban on using barbeque pits and grills in City of Houston Parks. Violators can be fined.
• Park vehicles so that the exhaust system does not come in contact with dry grass, leaves, or weeds.
• Adjust safety chains on trailers to ensure they don’t drag and create sparks
• Notify your electric power company when dead trees or overhanging limbs endanger the electric wires. 

Additional safety information may be found on the HFD website at www.houstonfire.org.